Varieties of Feminist Liberalism

by Amy R. Baehr, Anita Allen University of Pennsylvania, Samantha Brennan, Drucilla Cornell, Ann Cudd

Overview

Over the past thirty years, western political philosophy has been enriched by a renewed interest in liberalism, and by the development of feminism. Although liberalism is one of the important historical roots of feminism, many contemporary feminist political philosophers reject liberal political theory. Indeed, that liberalism and feminism are incompatible has been the dominant view among feminist scholars over the past 30 years. Varieties of Feminist Liberalism is a groundbreaking collection that examines the relationship between these two rich normative traditions. The essays in this volume present versions of feminism that are explicitly liberal, or versions of liberalism that are explicitly feminist. By bringing together some of the most respected and well-known scholars in mainstream political philosophy today, Amy R. Baehr challenges the reader to reconsider the dominant view that liberalism and feminism are 'incompatible.' This long overdue volume is the first to bring together papers by feminist liberals and to aim explicitly at reconciling feminism and liberalism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742512030
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	04/05/2004
Series:	Feminist Constructions
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	306
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Amy R. Baehr is assistant professor of philosophy at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Liberalism as an Antidote to Stereotyping Chapter 3 The Paradox of Liberal Feminism: Preference, Rationality, and Oppression Chapter 4 Toward a Liberal Theory of Sexual Equality Chapter 5 The Liberal Rights of Feminist Liberalism Chapter 6 The Future of Feminist Liberalism Chapter 7 Coercing Privacy Chapter 8 Feminist Contractarianism Chapter 9 Is Multiculturalism Bad for Women? Chapter 10 The Domain of Civic Virtue in a Good Society: Families, Schools and Sex Equality Chapter 11 Freed Up: Privacy, Sexual Freedom, and Liberty Of Conscience Chapter 12 A Feminist Liberal Approach to Hate Crime Legislation

Editorial Reviews

In this useful volume, leading liberal feminist philosophers explore the resources that liberalism makes available for feminist thought. The book shows liberal feminism at its very best.

Alison M. Jaggar

This volume brings many of feminism's leading theorists to address the central challenges of the contemporary women's movement. From diverse backgrounds and disciplinary persepectives, these exceptionally distinguished scholars offer new insights on longstanding issues. Their pathbreaking analysis of topics such as privacy, welfare, multiculturalism, sexual violence, and gender stereotypes enriches our understanding and invites our commitment. Varieties of Feminist Liberalism sets our agenda in the struggle for social equality.

Deborah L. Rhode

This volume brings many of feminism's leading theorists to address the central challenges of the contemporary women's movement. From diverse backgrounds and disciplinary persepectives, these exceptionally distinguished scholars offer new insights on longstanding issues. Their pathbreaking analysis of topics such as privacy, welfare, multiculturalism, sexual violence, and gender stereotypes enriches our understanding and invites our commitment. Varieties of Feminist Liberalism sets our agenda in the struggle for social equality.--Deborah L. Rhode, Ernest W. McFarland Professor of Law, Stanford University

In this useful volume, leading liberal feminist philosophers explore the resources that liberalism makes available for feminist thought. The book shows liberal feminism at its very best.--Alison M. Jaggar, University of Colorado, Boulder

From the Publisher